SNAPSHOT | Cops caution against anti-Rohingya vigilantism; PM says refugees issue complicated

KINI SNAPSHOT | What’s going on in the news today, with updates at 9am, 2pm, 6pm, and 9pm.

9pm

Refugees

• Perak police chief Alwi Zainal Abidin has urged members of the public not to take matters into their own hands, following a social media campaign urging the public to apprehend Rohingya refugees.

  “If there is misconduct by the Rohingya, they (the public) should file a police report first so that the police themselves can take the appropriate action,” Bernama quoted him as saying.

  He added that his department regularly monitors the Rohingya community in the state and has yet to receive any complaints about criminal activities or misconduct committed by the community.

READ MORE: What's behind the latest hate campaign against Rohingyas?

• Commenting on calls to repatriate the Rohingya, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted that the matter is a complex humanitarian crisis where efforts to repatriate or resettle them have yet to find a solution.

  “People can talk about sending them back, but where do we send them? We have problems with the Myanmar government, which is obstructing the process. So, in my two rounds of talks with Myanmar leaders, I raised two matters.

  

  “First, the aid we provide must be guaranteed to benefit everyone, and this was agreed to. Second, stop the oppression and crimes against the people of Myanmar, whether Muslims or non-Muslims, in Rakhine and throughout Myanmar,” Bernama quoted him as saying.

  He emphasised that Rohingya refugees in the country must follow local laws, while Malaysians must uphold humanitarian values and refrain from vigilante action.

• Hulu Langat MP Sany Hamzan said it would cost about RM600,000 to demolish a four-storey building that is allegedly built and occupied illegally by the Rohingya community in Sungai Tekali, Selangor.

  A working paper on the demolition has been submitted ot the Selangor Economic Action Council, and is pending state funding before the demolition can proceed.

  

  He reportedly told Berita Harian that most of its occupants have already vacated the building except for three families. He urged the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to seek a solution.

  He said it costs RM90 per day to arrest and detain them in an immigration facility, but unlike other undocumented migrants, they could not be repatriated to their home country.

Hiking

• The Selangor Forestry Department will temporarily suspend applications for trans hiking and compressed hiking activities at all permanent forest reserves in the state beginning July 1, Bernama reported, citing safety concerns.

  Violators may be charged under Section 47 of the National Forestry Act 1984 (Adoption) Enactment 1985, which carries a fine of up to RM30,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

  The department’s notice does not specify how long the suspension will be in effect. The move followed a similar suspension in Perak and several high-profile hiking accidents.

  

  “Trans hiking” is also known as point-to-point hiking, where hikers do not return to their point of origin.

  “Compressed hiking” refers to tackling long and often multi-day hikes under a compressed timeline and usually entails travelling with less equipment and supplies than usual.

Previously at 6pm | New J-Kom chief continues to draw flak; Fahmi tells PJ MP to explain resignation to PKR voters

2pm | PJ MP quits PKR's central leadership; Najib's loyalist challenges J-Kom chief to debate

9am | Muda slams J-Kom DG over govt's 'frontline fighter' remarks

Authorities acted against Hulu Langat Rohingya settlement before, says S'gor MB

What's behind the latest hate campaign against Rohingya?

COMMENT | Draw the line before it is too late on refugee policy

Don't dismiss refugee concerns as xenophobia, says PKR leader

LETTER | Escalating hate against Rohingya in M'sia shameful

LETTER | Reject hate, uphold justice: Standing with Rohingya